New York Governor Kathy Hochul called for an independent investigation into Cornell’s response, while Ithaca’s mayor urged restrictions on student-event permits|LBM1948|CC BY-SA 4.0

Criticism is mounting against Cornell University and local officials over their handling of an investigation after a former student filed a lawsuit as Jane Doe, accusing seven fraternity members of gang rape following an alleged incident involving drugs.

The lawsuit alleges she reported the incident to campus police in November 2024. But prosecutors initially declined to file charges, saying her sworn statement did not allege nonconsensual drug use or gang rape.

Six of the seven accused men denied wrongdoing in university interviews, saying the encounters were consensual. Records also show that the student documented her injuries and preserved potential evidence before reporting the incident.

The documents, obtained by The New York Times, include police interviews, Title IX investigations, witness accounts, messages and other evidence. They provide a fuller picture than the six-page police summary that prosecutors relied on when deciding not to file criminal charges.

Online attention surrounding the alleged assault intensified last week. And since then, the case has taken several new turns.

District Attorney Matthew Van Houten said on Monday that he reopened the case and is considering criminal charges. He added that prosecutors had declined to pursue charges in 2024 because they believed Jane Doe’s sworn statement characterized the encounter as consensual.

CBS reported that it obtained a transcript of Jane Doe’s initial interview with campus police, where she said, “I can say with 100% confidence I was raped.” Van Houten said he had not seen the transcript; Cornell said its police department had provided the DA with all investigatory information. On Tuesday, the New York Attorney General’s Office announced that it would review Cornell’s handling of the case.

Calls for independent review
The case resurfaces this September, triggering criticism from students and public officials.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul called for an independent investigation into Cornell’s response, while Ithaca’s mayor urged restrictions on student-event permits. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez also criticized the university.

Cornell said the allegations were appalling and vowed to ensure students can live and study safely.